Photobiomodulation: advances in managing radiodermatitis in Breast Cancer patients

This study reviews the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) in the prevention of radiodermatitis in breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Cancer is a major global health challenge and a leading cause of mortality, with approximately 19.3 million new cases reported worldwide in 2020. Breast cancer accounted for 11.6% of these cases and was the second most common cancer in Brazil in 2022, with 2.3 million new cases. Early detection and effective treatments are vital for improving clinical outcomes and patient quality of life. Radiotherapy, commonly used for treating breast cancer, often results in radiation dermatitis (RD), which significantly affects skin health and quality of life. Photobiomodulation (PBM) has emerged as a promising therapy to mitigate radiotherapy’s adverse effects, promoting healing and reducing inflammation. Clinical studies show that PBM can reduce RD severity, enhance skin healing, and relieve pain, with similar benefits observed for radiation-induced oral mucositis. Although preliminary results are promising, further research is needed to optimize PBM protocols and validate its effectiveness as a standard clinical practice. PBM offers a non-invasive and safe approach with potential to significantly improve the management of radiotherapy-related side effects in breast cancer patients.